Graeme Wheeler's first OCR statement as governor of the Reserve Bank.

Europe poses a new opportunity.  Deterioration has halted and although the troubles are not over, the region is showing signs of steady improvement, and no longer should it be viewed as a threat, Tim Stevenson, fund manager of Henderson EuroTrust, says.

A proposed merger between the Life Brokers Association (LBA) and the fledgling TNP Professional Association (TNPPA) is down to its final hurdle after LBA members voted in favour of the move.

The Grosvenor-owned Camelot Group has added new adviser in its Bay of Plenty office.

Advisers and policy holders are being warned to look at more than just the letters behind a company’s name as life insurers are compelled to reveal their financial strength ratings from this month.

Competition in the mortgage market has stepped up a notch over the past month but bank economists say rates may not fall much further, despite the announcement this week of lower-than-expected inflation in the June quarter.

The Australian stock market looks set to make a comeback after being outperformed by its New Zealand counterpart recently but there are sectors to avoid, fund manager Tower says.

As each day passes, the green light allowing the Reserve Bank to lower its cash rate glows ever brighter.

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has released its final guidance on the sale and distribution of KiwiSaver, confirming the circumstances in which registered financial advisers (RFAs) can continue to sell the scheme.